A TORY provost who once described himself as "not a popular choice" has quit his post.
Stirling's provost Douglas Dodds has announced he will be standing down as councillor for Dunblane and Bridge of Allan, citing personal and health reasons.
He has served as an elected member since 2017 and became provost last year, though at the time he admitted he was aware of the unpopularity of his promotion.
Labour councillors in the local authority did what was branded a “grubby” deal with the Tory group to lock the SNP out of power, despite coming third. Dodds was voted in by the Tory and Labour councillors.
Dodds asked that his “privacy be respected at this time”.
Neil Benny, leader of the Scottish Conservatives on Stirling Council, said: “I would like to thank Douglas for his service on Stirling Council and to the people of Dunblane and Bridge of Allan.
"He has done a superb job as a local champion for his constituents and latterly as Provost of Stirling. We wish him and his family well for the future.”
Green councillor Alasdair Tollemache added: “I have worked with Councillor Dodds over the past six years as councillors on local issues.
"It was good to work cross party on these issues. I wish him and his family all the best for the future.”
A decision on who will be Stirling’s next provost is expected to be taken at the next full council meeting in Decembera nd details of any by-election to replace him as a ward councillor are still to be announced.
A Dunblane and Bridge of Allan ward by-election in March this year, following the death of SNP councillor Graham Houston, saw Conservative Robin Kleinman elected.
There are now five Labour members, seven Conservatives, seven SNP, one Green and two independent councillors.
